Justification:
This species is listed as Vulnerable because it is known from only two locations and has an area of occupancy less than 20 km2. If the two locations were publicly known the threat from amateur collectors would be very high leading to the species becoming Critically Endangered or Extinct in a very short period of time.

At the time of publication of this species in 1996, it was thought to occur over a range of less than 200 m2, with an estimated population of less than 200 individuals. However, in 2006, the authors discovered a new population some kilometres distant from the original site and estimate the numbers of individuals found there to be many thousands (Lüthy 2007).

This species is grown as an ornamental, often as grafted plants. Lüethy states that upon revisiting the type locality ten years after its discovery, the area showed no sign of having been disturbed (Lüethy 2007). This would suggest that all material in cultivation has resulted from propagation of plants from the original collection. This species is widely and successfully cultivated.

This species is the most sought after cactus by collectors because of its rarity and unusual spines. If the localities were to be discovered by collectors, the populations would be subject to major declines. The precise locality is known only to a small number of experts. Despite the readily available populations in commercial cultivation, an intensive search for the localities continues by amateur and commercial collectors.

The plants are widely available throughout the world as a result of propagation from illegally exported specimens propagated from the original collection with approval of low level Mexican government officials. At this time, conservation measures would be counterproductive if they involved the type locality. It is listed on CITES Appendix II, but enforcement of the laws in the countries of destination is needed.

In-Place Research, Monitoring and PlanningIn-Place Land/Water Protection and Management Occur in at least one PA:NoIn-Place Species ManagementIn-Place Education Included in international legislation:Yes Subject to any international management/trade controls:Yes